Lewiston police investigate report of man holding child over side of bridge

By Staff, Lewiston Sun Journal •April 11, 2012 6:00 am

LEWISTON, Maine — Evidence in a case involving a local man who reportedly dangled his 2-year-old daughter off the side of the James B. Longley Bridge is being turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

Lewiston Police Lt. Marc Robitaille said an incident was reported at 8:31 p.m. Monday by a passersby in a car. According to the witnesses, the 23-year-old Lewiston man allegedly held his toddler over the side of the bridge going from Main Street in Lewiston to Court Street in Auburn.

Robitaille said officers were unable to locate additional independent witnesses. He said neither the child nor her father exhibited any unusual behavior when approached by officers, adding that the child did not appear distraught or distressed.

Robitaille said there was not sufficient probable cause to charge the man Monday night. Evidence will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for further review and the Department of Health and Human Services also was contacted.

The child was being placed in the custody of her mother Monday night. The parents do not live together.